AC Milan officially announced the hire of Zvonimir Boban as the team’s new Chief Football Officer on Friday. He joins the newly promoted Paolo Maldini in Milan’s latest front office turnover. Boban continues the trend of Milan trying to instill traditional blood into it’s newest project, but this time the Boban hire is screaming success. Unlike others in the past, Boban actually has the qualifications necessary for his job.
Zvonimir Boban Hired By AC Milan
You were part of our past and now you’ll be part of our future: reunited again! ❤?
Hai fatto parte del nostro passato, adesso sei parte del nostro futuro. #ACMilan e Zvonimir Boban: di nuovo insieme! ❤? pic.twitter.com/oFqVeXUK4o
— AC Milan (@acmilan) June 14, 2019
Boban ‘s Playing History
The Croatian started his distinguished playing career with Dinamo Zagreb. Becoming captain at the age of 19, Boban went on to play 109 games, scoring 45 goals as a midfielder.
His success caught Milan’s eye, and they purchased him in 1991. He spent his first season in Italy on loan at Bari. His performances were convincing enough for Milan to retain him for the next season. Boban went on to win four Serie A titles and one Champions League trophy with Milan in nine years.
Boban started his international career with Yugoslavia but left when Croatia declared independence. He captained Croatia’s third-place 1998 World Cup squad.
Career at FIFA
After different ventures in the scholarly world and sports journalism, Boban was appointed the Deputy Secretary General of FIFA. The role, according to FIFA, requires a “focus on developing the game and the organization of competitions.”
Boban was part of multiple projects and reforms important to the future of football.
“I feel really honoured and privileged to have worked on such important projects to take FIFA back to its rightful place, far away from past scandals and a tarnished image,” said Boban when talking to the FIFA website. “Looking back, I feel a real sense of accomplishment about my contribution to these big changes over the last three years.”
Boban lead reforms of the FIFA World Cup, the successful bidding process of the 2026 World Cup, and the introduction of VAR into the game.
“It is extremely difficult to leave FIFA, but I followed my heart and my passion when making this decision, as was the case when I accepted the challenge of joining FIFA,” said Boban.
Milan Appointment
It’s no secret that Boban’s soft spot has always been Milan.
“The people at AC Milan are my family and the city of Milan and Italy are my home,” said Boban. “I have a burning desire to help this glorious club, which means so much to me, to return where it belongs.”
When asked about the opportunity to work for his past club, Boban made it clear that there was nothing else he’d rather do.
“When Paolo called me to check on my availability, I jumped into my car and went to his home in Milan in the middle of the night to evaluate the state of the art,” said Boban. “After talking with Ivan [Gazidis] and the property, everything was clear. And here I am. In my city, at the club I love and in a land that has given me so much. I hope I can repay the trust placed in me.”
Part of the past & now the future ? @acmilan officially name Paolo Maldini as the clubs new Technical Director & Zvonimir Boban as the new Chief Football Officer ?⚫️ #ACMilan #Rossoneri #ForzaMilan #Maldini #Boban #SerieA #Calcio pic.twitter.com/fEoU2ruZ7t
— TheCalcioGuys (@TheCalcioGuys) June 14, 2019
Boban’s hire can possibly bring long-term stability to a club that has lacked that for years. He’s had positions with as much (or more) responsibility, has immense knowledge for both the playing and business side of the game and has an emotional attachment to Milan. Furthermore, his persona, alongside Maldini’s, will be a major recruiting tool for transfers in this summer’s market and in the following years.
The goal for next season, however, will remain the same as it has been since 2014. Milan must return to the Champions League.
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